Canon 500D Close-up Lens Review

Looking for Macro photography capabilities without spending a large sum of money?
There are several ways to accomplish this, but Extensions tubes are one of the least expensive methods.
The Canon 500D Close-up Lens is another.

The 500D is a small double-element lens that threads onto the filter threads on a standard (non-macro) lens.
It allows that lens to be focused at a much closer distance- resulting in a higher magnification of the subject.
The 500D is intended to be used on lenses with a focal length of 70mm-300mm.

Close-up lenses such as the 500D result in higher magnification when used with longer telephoto lens
but shorter focal length lenses result in higher magnification when used with Extension Tubes.

I gave the 500D a try first.
The quality of the 500D is very good.
I found the 500D to be reasonably sharp in the center - but less sharp toward the edges.

However, I personally found the narrow focus distance range to be limiting.
In addition, the quality of the pictures taken with the Canon 100mm Macro Lens were better.
And I could take a wider variety of pictures with the 100mm than with the Canon 500D Close-up Lens attached to another lens.

So why would you buy the 500D?

If you are carrying a non-macro lens regardless and you want macro capabilities without the added weight and size of a macro lens, the 500D is perfect for you.

If you have a lens in the 70-300mm range and do not have the budget for a prime (fixed focal length) macro lens, the 500D is a prospect for you.

If you only want to shoot at macro distances infrequently, the Canon 500D Close-up Lens might be what you want.

Bringing you this site is my full-time job (typically 60-80 hours per week). Thus, I depend solely on the commissions received from you using the links on this site to make any purchase. I am grateful for your support! - Bryan

Where you buy your gear matters. You expect to get what you ordered and you want to pay a low price for it. The retailers I recommend below are the ones I trust for my own purchases. Get your Canon 500D Close-up Lens now from: